How to Deal with Spinal Cord Compression

Any condition that puts pressure on the spine can cause spinal cord compression.

The spinal cord comprises of nerves that carry messages back and forth from the brain to the muscles and the rest of the body. This bundle of nerves is protected by the backbone, also known as the spinal column.

The backbone comprises of small bones called vertebrae that are stacked on top of each other. The bones are supported in-between by soft cushion-like structures called the spinal discs, which are fluid filled sacks to ease movement, provide flexibility and reduce friction.

The spinal cord and other nerve bundles are contained inside the spinal canal, a hollow tube-like formation. Small nerves branch off from the main bundle and travel through the openings between the vertebrae and out to the muscles.

The Occurrence of Spinal Cord Compression

Spinal cord compression can occur anywhere along the backbone. It can involve the neck, the upper, middle or the lower back. It depends on the location of the collapsed/ compressed vertebrae. The number of vertebrae involved can also vary.

Reasons of Spinal Cord Compression

  • One of the most common causes include the gradual wear and tear of the bones of the spine due to aging. People above the age of 50 years usually develop compression due to this reason.
  • Ruptured or herniated disc.
  • Abnormal alignment of the spine (scoliosis).
  • Spinal injury or trauma.
  • Certain bone diseases.
  • Arthritis (inflammatory process involving the joints).
  • Spinal tumour.
  • Infection in the spine.

Depending on the cause, spinal cord compression may appear suddenly or develop gradually over time. Injuries may cause sudden symptoms, infections or tumours may take days or weeks, and spinal compression due to aging may take years.

Risk Factors

Some people have a higher risk to develop spinal cord compression. Some examples include:

  • Male gender.
  • Age between 16 to 30 years or above 50.
  • Physical trauma.
  • Tumour.
  • Osteoporosis (decrease in bone density, making bones fragile and are easily fractured).

Signs and Symptoms of Spinal Cord Compression

  • Pain or stiffness in the neck or back.
  • Weakness, numbness or cramping in arms hands or legs.
  • Burning sensation.
  • Sciatic pain.
  • Trouble controlling one’s bladder or bowels (a symptom shared with cauda equina syndrome).
  • Difficulty walking or moving normally, or even loss of sensation in the limbs.
  • Foot drop.
  • Loss of sexual ability.

How to Deal with Spinal Cord Compression

First and foremost, learn as much as you can about your condition. Take an active role in your treatment and work closely with your healthcare providers.

Maintain a healthy weight, get regular exercise and maintain a proper posture by practicing good body mechanics to keep your back as healthy as possible.

To reduce the pain, use simple home remedies like applying ice or a heating pad. A good massage, or a long hot shower are also helpful in reducing the pain.

When to see a doctor

If you are experiencing back pain that is worsening and doesn’t improve with treatment or home remedies, visit your doctor. Also if you experience any injury that has hurt your back, or have the more severe symptoms like loss of bladder control, loss of sexual ability, foot drop or difficulty in performing your day to day activities, it is recommended that you seek help from a healthcare professional.

Diagnosis, tests and treatment

After taking your medical history and carrying out a physical examination, the following tests will be performed:

  • X-ray.
  • CT scan or MRI scan.
  • Myelography.

These tests are done to look for an underlying cause and pinpoint the exact location of the compression. These are also helpful in informing us about the severity of the problem.

The treatment will be tailored according to the signs, symptoms and the underlying cause. Common approaches usually include:

  • Pain medications (like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
  • Physical therapy.
  • Spinal injections.
  • Surgery in severe cases only.

How to prevent Spinal Compression

Spinal Compression may not always be preventable but taking certain measures can reduce the risk of developing this problem. After all, prevention is always better than the cure.

  • Regular exercise and stretches. Exercise strengthens the muscles, which helps support the back and keeps the spine flexible.
  • Maintain a good posture when sitting, sleeping or lifting up heavy objects. Sleep on a firm mattress and sit on a chair which mimics and supports the natural curves of the spine.
  • Eat moderately and nutritiously, with plenty of calcium and vitamin D to maintain strong bones.
  • Avoid being overweight and obese. Excessive weight puts stress on the spine and can contribute to developing symptoms of spinal compression.
  • Additionally, you can use a spinal decompression device to prevent compression of the spine but also to treat existing back and neck pain that is caused by spinal compression.

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Highlights/Key Points

  • Spinal cord compression is caused by any condition that puts stress on the spine.
  • Symptoms usually involve back pain, weakness or numbness, which can be present in the arms, hands, legs or feet. The symptoms can be gradual or sudden depending on the cause.
  • It can be treated at home with applying heat or cold, having a massage or a hot shower. It can also be treated with pain medicines, or physical therapy.
  • It can also be addressed with the help of spinal decompression therapy, which also helps relieve pressure on the spinal column.
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